Amazing food specials. Great people very reasonably priced food. I stopped by there every time I'm in town.

Old man bartender with the beard gave me a lecture when I tried to order my first drink which was a double shot vodka ginger ale, and then refused to serve us. Maybe it's the state of Connecticut since I'm not from here, but I've done a lot of traveling across the states and my go to drink is a vodka ginger ale with a double shot. You pay for the extra shot of alcohol. It's not that you're asking for extra booze in a drink for a cheaper price because a double shot is what you're asking to pay for. I'm a new local to old Saybrook and unfortunately I won't be coming back here. His lecture was that you never ask a bartender for a double shot. In my experience you're asking to pay for 2 drinks or 2 shots in one. Am in the wrong here? This has never happened to me, and again this is my go to drink. Anyways, I won't be coming back here after this. My boyfriend and I came in for a night cap despite being on the younger side of their typical crowd (we're pushing 30). I think there was a strong assumption and we were stereotyped based on looks. Mind you we had just walked in to sit down at the bar and order a single drink. Was disgusted by the treatment we received. I hope this place gets shut down. read more

Had the pork chops with French Fries broccoli and apple sauce. Ate at the bar for faster service. Service was quick and efficient. The pork chops were huge and cooked to perfection. The French fries were delicious. Cost of the food was Only $19 This is a cash only business. Off street parking. read more

The Monkey Farm - Pork chops huge and delicious - American Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Fun place! Cash only, no A/C, beer on bottles (ask for a glass if need be). Champ beer, $4-6/bottle. But the best thing were the fried clams. They were some of the best clams I've ever had in my life. And they also had whole belly clams, which I think are much better than the regular fried clams. But people at my table had different opinions on which were the best clams. But either way everyone raved about the clams. I would come back here in a heartbeat! read more

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After an intense family reunion, we were driving down 95 looking for a good lunch spot. Other family members recommended this place, and so we stopped. It is not very appealing from the outside, but the food and character are incredible. It is cash only and the prices are very reasonable. Even the beer prices were reasonable.. My wife had whole belly fried clams and I had clam strips. These were the best clams we have ever had! The whole belly clans were rich and fresh. The clam strips were sweet and flavorful. Some previous reviews have characterized this restaurant as a dive bar. I guess I understand that but is very welcoming and homey. This is on my top list of restaurants and I can't wait to come back. read more

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First time here - had lunch on the patio. Great atmosphere and vibe. Food was fresh and well prepared. Will visit again for sure! read more

The Monkey Farm - Ahi salad - American Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

It was a beautiful day in CT so I went to the beach in old Saybrook. Stopped at Monkey Farm for lunch outside. I asked for a Bloody Mary but specifically said crank it up a notch. She said oh yes. We have our own mix. (Hopefully, I can attach a photo.). Vodka with bland tomato juice with one lemon. That's a Bloody Mary? Weak at best. Ok. Ordered the calamari. Sad pieces of calamari with a few fried banana peppers. Lame. Ordered the Mahi tacos. The entire meal arrived cold. I ate one taco, which was nothing to write home about, and ate nothing else. When I asked for a manager, the server told me there was no manager to talk with but she'd tell the "chef". She did offer a free dessert which I declined. I don't remember the last time I was so dissatisfied with a restaurant experience. read more

The Monkey Farm - This is a Bloody Mary!!!! - American Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

If you want/need to have a day away from watching what you eat, then this is the spot to go. Their Tater Tots with bacon and smothered with cheese hit the spot! Salads were as expected for an established local hangout. The service was exceptional: timely, helpful, and took care of us. read more

If you're looking for a fun bar, this is the place for you. Unfortunately, I don't drink BUT there were no empty tables so I had dinner at the bar. It kinda felt like everyone was staring at me eat my 3 courses, I think they were jealous because they wanted to eat my delicious food. The bartenders were friendly, funny, and quick... you can tell they have been doing this a while and enjoy it. The food came out quick and was really tasty! Great portions and good dessert. I was surprised they only take cash, but they have an ATM. I'd definitely go back for that bam bam shrimp! I wish I took other photos, but the Ahi salad was AMAZING and could easily be shared. read more

The Monkey Farm - Bam Bam Shrimp - American Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

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This is THE go to place in Old Saybrook. Friendly people and a great menu. Monkey Farm never disappoints

The food is above average, the service is good and the clientele is generally friendly. There's no A/C, so with doors open and fans running, you get all the second-hand smoke, street noise, etc. whenever it's busy. We love this place for super casual lunches. read more

The Monkey Farm - Tuna Nachos - American Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

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This place never disappoints. Service is good and there is outdoor seating seasonally. The food is very delicious and fresh.

Wow, what a disappointment! First of all, the environment in person seems pretty cool if you just wanna watch football and shoot the shit. If you want good food or solid customer service, don't go here. Especially don't do takeout, walked in with no person to greet me, had to track down a server and was given my food from the bartender after 10 minutes. Was hoping at least the food would be good, but it was mediocre at best. I worked at a grinder spot and have made pastrami before, the meat was over cooked and the bread was soggy. There's clearly a real lack of effort put in, apparent in the bland and tasteless fries as well. Not to mention the worst part of It all - we were totally scammed! We asked for a side of fries, not as an extra charge but just as a side that comes with the meal. We were then given chips as the side and charged for a full basket of fries (and they were shitty). Ended up paying 50 dollars for 2 sandwiches. Truly deceitful and manipulative, and I'm sure they do this with most over the phone / to go orders since they can get away with it. Avoid this spot unless you're a 50 year old man with a drinking problem and no children! read more

The Monkey Farm - American Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

NY Day at Monkey Farm Ben on the bar Sarah circling and Ryan always a dream hard worker is putting it mildly. Drinks always made to perfection food never skips a beat and the company is always like being home. Never disappointed EVER!!! Thank you Ben for being so entertaining as well as fabulous at what you do!!!! read more

Great food especially for the price! And just a cool spot in general! Cash only though

It's always fun to go to "The Farm" for some apps or a meal. There is only one place like this. I love the T shirts too!

Despite some so-so reviews of this place I have had nothing but delicious food and great service in my two recent visits over the span of the past 3 months. The most recent visit was this past Friday. This is a cute place that is both bar and restaurant. There is also an all-season porch area where we prefer to seat as it is quieter and since it is surrounded by windows it is lighter and brighter than the more darkly lit interior. The menu is varied and includes salads, sandwiches and wraps, seafood options, grilled items, steaks and chops, pizza, and really probably something for most. On my first visit, my brother-in-law who was with us, recommended the Grilled Ahi Tuna Salad which is what I got. I liked that they asked me how I wanted my tuna cooked as I am not a fan of very rare tuna. The tuna came out medium rare which is what I asked for and tasted fresh and delicious. The salad was also great with crisp dark greens and included mandarin orange slices, craisins, avocado and a yummy dressing lightly applied. To me, nothing worse than a salad drowned in dressing. On our most recent visit I opted for the Mahi-Mahi tacos which were fantastic. The Mahi-Mahi was grilled to perfection and the accompaniments to the tacos (2 generous ones) were perfect. Again, the fish tasted fresh and clean. On both visits my husband got the Reuben sandwich which you can order with either pastrami or corned beef...he chose the pastrami. He loved it! My brother-in-law got the Ahi Tuna Salad both times...He lives near this place and that is his go-to order. There is full bar service here as well as a homemade dessert menu which we have yet to try. The place is casual, and for us, the service has been spot-on. The woman's restroom despite being a one-stall situation (dicey for a place the size that it is), was very clean on both visits. If we lived closer to Old Saybrook Connecticut (which is about two hours from us) we would be regulars. read more

First time at the monkey farm, we will be back! The food was really good, The service was awesome, the atmosphere was a bar.......I had the clam strips and the wife got the broccoli cheddar soup....both are recommended! read more

The Monkey Farm - Fried clam strips - American Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Great food and such a casual ambiance. It was the first time i visited but already am planning on my next trip with more of my friends. What a gem filled with local flare and history. So awesome ! Get the NY Strip steak, you will not be disappointed read more

So the food at the Monkey Farm is fine. It's not bad but it's not great. It works bc it's the only late night spots in Old Saybrook. It's really more of a Bar than a restaurant. But - it does work if you are hungry & you want to grab a bite late night. Just DON'T expect fantastic bar food. The service is SOLIDLY GOOD every time I have been there. They are always nice, and efficient. The older home is framed with dark wood with a wrap around porch. There's a nice large patio out back with tables & umbrellas. It's a perfectly acceptable place to go if you just want to grab some drinks with some friends late night. They serve food until 10 pm. I believe they close at 1 pm. read more

I first discovered this place searching for great burgers, and this was probably in 2011. It is now 2021, and the same quality it had a decade ago remains. The burger meat is juicy, and flavorful. I live 20 miles away and I always think about the monkey farm when I want a great burger. As soon as you walk in, it is a seat yourself type of place. Back in 2011 on my first visit, I literally sat and waited and I told my friend that if someone didn't approach us, we were leaving. It's just that kind of casual place, so don't be offended. Because I could have been, but now I know to just be patient. They have a wide and enticing menu featuring typical and local American fare, and I believe they execute it with the love and care of a your friendly neighborhood dining spot. So burger yes. Soups yes, shrimp scampi pizza... I am coming for you next! read more

This place is disgusting. It's dirty and the bartender is completely rude. There are so many other places to go. He also confirmed everything is frozen and nothing is fresh. Horrible experience. read more

Love this place. It may be the most underrated bar ever. The food is awesome. The bartender has worked there over 30 years. It's safe. Clean. Salt of the earth people. Locals rule here. Great drinks, fun and food. Guaranteed good times. read more

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Drinks were good, pizza was tasty! Veggie pizza, Skinny Margarita Waitresses were working their butts off! AMI Jukebox you can play through your app Cash only.... They have an ATM in the restaurant. Lots of parking. Good for small or large groups. read more

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Food was delicious. Every Friday they have Prime Rib. If you want the best French onion soup come here. Have never had a bad meal ever.

We decided to come back to the Monkey Farm and see if their lobster roll was still as good as we remembered from our previous trip. This time I tried the cold lobster roll, and it was delicious! The fries and slaw were good as well. To help enjoy the summer we ordered some frozen drinks, which were amazing. The Monkey Farm is still on my list of delicious places to stop at in Old Saybrook. I look forward to trying another lobster roll in the future! read more

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Quality of Food, prices & service all excellent. - We love the Monkey farm & crew!! Max & Deanie!

This place is way more than a fun dive bar! Which I discovered way too late. But we started coming about two years ago and the food is excellent! Sounds crazy from a dive bar perspective as they don't advertise their restaurant, but the food is super delicious and their desserts are all home made and really excellent. The key lime pie is award winning as far as I am concerned. Bring cash though, they do not accept credit.Waitstaff is super friendly and hardworking. read more

Very much a bar. The ribeye was alright. The grilled cheese (with ham) was much better. Service was very good and attentive. The space is interesting. There's like a focal bar, then peripheral food areas, then the outside deck. read more

Really great lobster roll, dessert (apple crisp) and service first night. Took my chances a second night (live in the south where lobster isn't common on the menu). Lobster meat inconsistent. Server didn't care about her job. Dessert inedible - went in the trash at the hotel : ( You're taking your chances here. read more

Went on a recommendation from a friend. Found two seats at the bar. My daughter went to the bathroom. I ordered a beer and a Shirley temple as she doesn't drink. Got the beer. Bartender walked away. I assumed to make my daughters drink. Several minutes pass and she joins me at the bar. I made several attempts to get his attention to inquire anout her drink. Three times, he looked right at me then looked away to help other customers. The fourth time it happened, my daughter commented "he just looked right at you and ignored you.' I thought it was just me but nope! Last time I'll be going there. Don't know what I did to piss him off, but won't be going back. Not a good impression on a first time customer. read more

The service was excellent and the food is great pub food.Real down to earth restaurant with food that is more than enough .Even the salads are very good read more

We had been on the Essex River Train and Steamship and we didn't get back till 9:30 pm and we were all starving and this was the only place open that late for dinner. We were very pleased with our visit! The service was great and the food was really good too! I had a delicious lobster salad roll! It was a very generous size and it tasted sooo good!!! I loved the skinny fries that they served with it too, as well as the yummy coleslaw! My husband had the hot lobster roll and he loved his as well!! We will definitely come back here again!!!! read more

The Monkey Farm - Lobster Salad Roll. YUMMY!!! - American Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

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The food here was great. The employees were nice and good at their job. My daughter and I ate outside because it was a beautiful day and the service was still good. Will be going again. read more

Great atmosphere. Fun staff and customers alike. Plenty of tv's to watch sports. Very reasonable prices. Would absolutely return!

Never had a bad meal! Everything is fresh and the service is always good. Try to visit the restaurant as often in the area.

Had not been to the Monkey Farm since sitting outside during Covid... food was not too impressive then. But since then, the parking lot is always packed. So we decided to give it a try. for lunch today. We were trying to decide where to sit, I was standing by a table that had a reserved sign looking at tables on the porch. The waitress walked by and loudly said that table is reserved. Obviously I can read the sign as I am 65 years old. First indication of her customer treatment. We sat at a high top table next to bar. Waitress came by and took drink orders and dropped off menus. Very unfriendly and acted rushed despite the room was not full. I asked her something about an item on the menu. My husband asked how much it cost. I said it was $17 on the menu but she said the menus were not updated with correct prices ????? Well last time I saw her was when she refilled my husband's soft drink . A young man delivered our burgers. She never asked us if everything was okay or do we need anything else. .. I asked her name and still was not courteous. I guess she dropped off check as I had to go to the cash machine. I truthfully haven't had such a rude waitress in a long time. I heard the bartender being nice to his clients and thanking them for coming in... so clearly he understands treating customers nicely.... Am sure they were local regulars. I guess dark and dingy is the appeal of the Monkey Farm as a longtime local watering hole. The check was $36.40 for two burgers and a sprite before a tip. My husband said his burger tasted like old meat. Mine was cooked to medium rare as requested but frankly was tasteless. Thin fries and pickle slices were okay. Mediocre food for the price and poorly treated...no thanks. read more

Went for drinks with some friends the other night and it was fine until the end... we were sitting talking and a mouse ran across the floor! Out of courtesy we told the bar tender as a heads up and got a rude dismissing response... you'd think that would be a concern for their restaurant but I guess not! read more

Off season April. We're able to get a table at 7 pm weekday. CASH ONLY Bar food. Food - scallops and Ruben nicely cooled. Fish a bit undercooked/soggy. Friendly, good service and timing. TVs with sports, pool, darts. Bar atmosphere noise levels Not for families with young kids read more

I'll never step foot in this place again because the staff is rude. I just asked a very simple question "How long will I need to wait for a table ?" The girl literally said "a while" as she walked past without even making eye contact- I had to chase her down and ask what "a while" would mean and she said she didn't know. Shame that one AH can cost the business years of patronage from me, my friends and my family read more